Evaluation of analgesics usage in pain management among physicians.

ABSTRACT

One of the objectives of the National drug policy is to promote the rational use of drugs by prescribers, dispensers and consumer. However, in developing countries, inappropriate prescribing has been identified among health facilities. Analgesics have been identified as one of the commonly prescribed drugs among prescribers in managing pain. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the analgesic usage among physicians at the outpatient department of a tertiary health facility. This study was a descriptive cross sectional survey. A total of 624 prescription sheets containing prescribed analgesics was obtained and examined. Data generated were analysed using SPSS version 15 software. The mean number of analgesics per prescription was 1.23 ± 0.49. The mean number of drug per prescription was 3.68 ± 1.54. A total of 16 analgesics were prescribed and the most prescribed analgesic was Paracetamol. There were low irrational analgesics combinations among prescribers. Most of the analgesics were prescribed correctly. Majority of the analgesics were prescribed in generic names. Oral dosage form formed the bulk of the prescribed analgesics. Also, most of the analgesics were from the Essential Drug List and almost all analgesics prescribed were available in the Pharmacy department for dispensing to patients as at the time the prescriptions were written. This study revealed that pain management in the centre was largely in accordance to the National Drug Policy and Standard treatment guidelines.